After five years of partnership, a new era has begun for one of Mount Pleasant’s most trusted names in funeral service. Charles Yoder and his daughter, Morgan Yoder—both licensed funeral directors—have purchased the Powell interest in Olson-Powell Chapel. The family-owned business will now move forward as Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory.

While the name is changing, the Yoders emphasize that the heart of their mission remains the same: “Respecting Tradition. Embracing Every Story.” Their commitment to compassion, dignity, and care continues to guide every service and interaction with families during life’s most difficult moments.

“We are sincerely grateful for the trust and support of the Mount Pleasant community and surrounding areas,” the Yoders shared. “It has been an honor to walk alongside families, and we look forward to continuing to serve with the same heartfelt dedication in this exciting new chapter.”

The Yoders invite the community to learn more and stay connected by visiting their updated website at www.olsonyoderfh.com

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig highlighted the strong start to harvest season following the release of the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The weekly report, issued April through November, tracks field conditions, crop maturity, and harvest progress across the state. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship also provides a weather summary during this period.

“Combines are rolling all across Iowa,” said Secretary Naig. “The warm and dry weather is allowing farmers to make good progress on corn and soybean harvest. With the favorable weather expected to hold through next week, farmers should be able to continue making harvest headway, though conditions

may be a bit dusty. As we get a little further into the start of October, outlooks are indicating a possible shift back to more chances of widespread rain.”

According to the report, dry weather created 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 28. Warm temperatures helped speed crop maturity, with farmers across the state focused on corn and soybean harvest.

Soil conditions remain largely adequate. Topsoil moisture was rated 65 percent adequate, with 27 percent rated short to very short and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was 70 percent adequate, with 23 percent short to very short and 7 percent surplus.

Corn is advancing steadily, with nearly all of the crop dented or beyond. Eighty percent of corn has reached maturity, running four days ahead of last year and one day ahead of the five-year average. Corn harvest for grain is 15 percent complete, about four days ahead of last year. Moisture content in harvested corn averaged 20 percent. Crop condition was rated 71 percent good to excellent.

Soybeans are also nearing completion in maturity stages. Ninety-five percent of soybeans have turned color, while 83 percent were dropping leaves—both slightly ahead of average. Harvest progress reached 17 percent, trailing last year and the five-year average by three days. Soybean condition was rated 73 percent good to excellent.

Pasture conditions held steady, with 53 percent rated good to excellent.

The full weekly report is available at nass.usda.gov.

Every day, someone in America becomes a victim of fraud. To help protect Iowans from scams and financial exploitation, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services is bringing the Iowa Fraud Fighters program to Mt. Pleasant.

The community is invited to attend a free seminar on Tuesday, October 21st at 6:30 PM at Veterans Hall, 300 W. Monroe St., Mt. Pleasant.

The program will highlight:

· Common scam tactics used to trick unsuspecting victims.

· Tips for prevention to protect savings and personal information.

· Reporting resources to stop fraudsters and help others.

The Iowa Fraud Fighters initiative is designed to educate and empower residents, especially seniors, to recognize warning signs and take action against scams. Attendees will walk away with practical tools to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from financial fraud.

For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services website or attend the event in person.

IowaWINs (Iowa Welcomes Immigrant Neighbors) is marking a milestone—its 10-Year Anniversary—with a special celebration in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, October 18.

The event will feature a presentation by Rev. Craig Mousin, an attorney, professor, author, and ordained minister who has devoted more than three decades to ministry and advocacy for immigrants and refugees. His keynote address will take place at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel Auditorium, 629 N. Main, and is free and open to the public.

After the presentation, guests are invited to gather at The Belle Center, located just across the street, for refreshments and interactive “break-out” sessions. These conversations will offer opportunities to

engage with Rev. Mousin and others on topics central to IowaWINs’ mission and the experiences of immigrant and refugee families in Iowa communities.

Earlier in the day, at 11:00 a.m., IowaWINs will host its Annual Meeting in The Belle Center. The meeting will highlight the organization’s 2025 accomplishments and outline future goals. Community members and supporters are encouraged to attend.

For the past decade, IowaWINs has provided support, resources, and advocacy for immigrants and refugees in southeast Iowa. This anniversary celebration offers a chance to honor the contributions of volunteers, partners, and community members who have worked together to welcome neighbors and build stronger, more inclusive communities.